Makelele tells Chelsea: Just let me know if you still want me - Sport - Evening Standard
       

Makelele tells Chelsea: Just let me know if you still want me

Claude Makelele wants Chelsea to decide if he still has a future at Stamford Bridge after reportedly becoming the target for a number of European clubs.

The France international midfielder was edged out of the first-team picture for much of the season because of his involvement with the national team.

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Final fling? Claude Makelele alongside John Terry and Frank Lampard at last weekend's FA Cup Final victory over Manchester United

Coach Jose Mourinho had already made it clear to Makelele that his first-team appearances would be limited if the 34-year-old continued to play for France.

Chelsea have also seen a vast improvement in the form of both Lassana Diarra and Mikel John Obi, who have demonstrated they can undertake Makelele's holding role in front of the defence.

Makelele, who still has one year left on his contract, knows he is unlikely to be first choice next season and the arrival of Steve Sidwell from Reading in July will increase competition for midfield places.

But Makelele can do nothing about his situation until Chelsea make a decision on his future.

The player's agent, Jimmy Ladjemi, said: "Makelele has a contract with Chelsea and we are going to wait and see what they will do for next season.

"The player cannot negotiate with any club because he has not finished his contract with his current club," he told Spanish radio's Cadena Sur.

"We don't know what is happening. He has not sat down with Chelsea yet and he still has one year left on his contract.

"It is not surprising that many clubs want him. He is a very good player, but we are not allowed to talk to anyone until we see what Chelsea want to do."

Makelele joined Chelsea from Real Madrid for £16million four years ago and was instrumental in helping Chelsea land two successive Barclays Premiership titles.

Makelele believes Chelsea still have a squad capable of winning the Champions League - though whether he will be around to part of that success remains to be seen.

Makelele has a year left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge and so far there have been no discussions as to whether it will be extended.

The 34-year-old France veteran was a key figure in the club's two Barclays Premiership title successes under coach Jose Mourinho but he found often found himself out of the side this season.

But Makelele demonstrated he can still dominate a game in midfield with a fine performance in Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup final win over Manchester United at Wembley.

Now Makelele believes the Champions League remains within Chelsea's grasp over the next few seasons.

He said: "I came to Chelsea to give some history to the club and now I have won all the English trophies.

"Now it is only the European trophy left. Chelsea have big players and young players for the future and have time to win the Champions League."

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